VMG Astilleros 5,000-Tonne Shiplift Gains Lloyd’s Register Class

Sagunto adds certified capacity for very large yachts

Lloyd’s Register has classified the 5,000-tonne yacht shiplift at VMG Astilleros de Sagunto, strengthening the Spanish yard’s position in the large-superyacht refit market. The certification was formally presented during the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show after the lifting system completed classification earlier in the year.

The facility is located at the Port of Sagunto near Valencia and is intended specifically for the haul-out, maintenance and refit of large yachts. VMG describes the installation as the world’s largest yacht-dedicated shiplift, giving the yard access to projects that would otherwise need to remain afloat or move to a limited number of heavy-lift facilities.

Heavy-lift system supports simultaneous refit work

The shiplift uses a platform approximately 102 metres long and 22 metres wide, with a lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes. Once a yacht is ashore, self-propelled modular transporters can move it across the yard so the lifting platform is freed for another project.

VMG’s wider site covers more than 92,000 square metres of hardstanding and includes additional travel lifts, workshops, covered refit areas, paint facilities, storage and crew amenities. The combination allows the yard to handle technical, structural and cosmetic work without relying on a single berth or lift position for the duration of a project.

Spanish refit infrastructure continues to expand

The Sagunto investment also supports VMG’s partnership with Astilleros de Mallorca, linking mainland heavy-lift capacity with the Palma yard’s established refit expertise. The arrangement gives the partners another option for yachts above 75 metres that are difficult to haul out at conventional Mediterranean facilities.

For owners, captains and managers, classification provides an independent reference point for the lifting infrastructure used during major yard periods. The new capacity adds competition to the Mediterranean refit sector at a time when the active fleet of large yachts is creating increasing demand for survey, paint, machinery and lifecycle work.